Deep Snow Returned, Avalanche Conditions Shift

Winter isn’t over yet as deep snow and heightened avalanche danger returned to Western Canada’s mountains. Last weekend, a powerful storm cycle reminded skiers and snowboarders across British Columbia that the mountains still have plenty of surprises left, delivering significant snowfall across many regions. Whistler received a remarkable accumulation exceeding one meter, while interior regions recorded around 50 cm in just 48 hours. Additional snowfall followed closely behind, with another 20 to 40 cm blanketing much of western Canada by week’s end.

The recent heavy snowfall and changing weather have drastically altered avalanche conditions, bringing back mid-winter hazards that require renewed caution and vigilance. This rapid snow loading combined with warm spring temperatures has exacerbated existing avalanche problems, especially involving the early-March crust and surface hoar layers that now lie buried anywhere between 50 cm to over a meter beneath recent storm snow.

Avalanche Canada has reported that this particular weak layer has already produced significant avalanches up to size three and above, particularly on the South Coast and in parts of the Selkirks. These avalanches have exhibited both wide propagation and deep crowns, underscoring the ongoing instability. The danger is amplified by storm slabs formed from recent snowfall poorly bonding to the older snow layers, creating prime conditions for human-triggered slides.

Backcountry users are strongly advised to exercise heightened caution this weekend. The unstable snowpack means avalanches could be triggered remotely, potentially from hundreds of meters away, and across terrain features that seem unrelated at first glance.

Two skiers are dead from separate avalanches in Lake Louise and Kananaskis Country during elevated avalanche conditions on Friday, March 14th. These incident speak to the looming hazard.

Avalanche Canada urges all backcountry users to continuously monitor forecasts and avalanche bulletins, particularly as storm patterns evolve unpredictably in spring. Conditions can shift rapidly, and staying informed is critical to safety. Check avalanche forecasts before heading out, remain conservative in terrain choices, and enjoy the abundance of fresh powder responsibly.

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